Typically, when we refer to x-platform storytelling, we’re thinking about a story that spans multiple screens.

But, we’re venturing into a slightly different space to extend the definition of “x-platform” (cross-platform) – With a line of NFC jewelry for children (based on a character; and designed to be integrated within real-world “play”) with an NFC (near field communication) tag, that leads to a speech-based daily mobile app.

The first character is based on our Toothfairy app. But, plans are for a Santa version, along with variations will be non-gender specific, is also underway for the 2013 Holiday Season.

Our children’s apps (produced through our contentAI studios unit) do exceptionally well – with some months resulting in tens of thousands of Users. But, we want don’t want kids to live solely with their eyes glued to digital screens – So, we have designed the first iterations of a line of jewelry that includes NFC.

How the heck are iPhone User’s going to access the app?

Well, unfortunately, iPhone Users can’t get that “magical” tap experience that NFC offers, but, they can save a URL as a “favorite” and access the app – But, the UI/UX with NFC is what we think adds real value to the user engagement – especially, with the youngest of early-adopters – Kids.

The idea of intuitively linking objects to mobile applications via NFC is an area we are deeply focused. People, especially kids, still really like “things,” stuff they can look at and touch – extending the story from an object to a mobile app is an obvious next step for us. Plus, we’ve gotten a whole new range of experiences in manufacturing and production of “things,” which has been a nice evolution.

2012 was exceptional for My Santa Talk, with the Year ending with over 10,000 monthly sessions for the app and Users in over 80 countries. The engagement were also qualitatively improved; in terms of the quality of the conversations and their durations.

From our side, the focus of our ventures have narrow-focused to extending storied content experiences to 2nd Screens and the “internet of things.” (“IoT”).

Initially, we will be extending our own children’s app properties, which have done exceptionally well on mobile, to IoT products. Call them interactive toys, jewelry or companion products, we believe that especially children’s engagement is greatly enhanced when there are real-world objects included with the mobile/digital experience. This can allow for an individual’s imagination to take the object and make it part of their play and their own stories.

We’ll be announcing partnerships with some fascinating technology partners in the coming months. We’ll also be more active on the conference circuit as Exhibitors. Ideally, for 2013, My Santa Talk will have an array of complementary IoT gadgets to enhance the experience for children.

The all new 2011 MySantaTalk is being entirely rebuilt and redesigned and will feature more bells, whistles and AI tools than it’s predessors…and, it will be available in many more channels. . .mobile web, Android, Windows 7/XP (AppUP), Meego and maybe, just maybe, we’ll even do a native iOS version. NOOK/color is also a strong possibility.

While next Season, there will be entirely new interactive stories and video produced, right now, the elves are busy improving the chat navigation and making the mobile web experience easier for everyone. Below is a screenshot of the new interface:

Now, you no longer have to leave the ‘chat screen” to insert your response! Faster. Easier. More fun.

Here’s a terrific picture of a local retailer’s promotion of MySantaTalk, using the shortcode and keyword option. This year, MySantaTalk is offered to businesses at no cost for their own Holiday tie-ins. We appreciate getting the pictures of how you’re using this in your town.

This seems to be the year of digital Santas. Many of whom offer some level of “personalization.” My Santa Talk does this as well.

While we believe that most companies who are creating digital Santas are reputable, we do live in the day and age of hackers and other nefarious creatures. So, before opting-in and providing ANY personal information, please think about a few things.

First, MY SANTA TALK is 100% anonymous. Being on mobile web means (a) we do not have your phone number; (b) we don’t have an IP address, (c) we don’t know your name or have access to any personal data on your device, (d) we don’t have your eMail address or any other sensitive data.

The digital Santas that require users to fill out a form and eMail a submission? Or, digital Santas that are “app” based or respond to phone numbers all start having access to sensitive personal information. Again, the companies who are creating these are likely to be reputable, but, you may be providing a fair bit of personal information, including information about your children.

Creating a “personalized” experience that’s anonymous was not easy. But, we think it was worth the effort. Mobile or online, let’s be careful out there, OK?

We appreciate the post from @textually for our MY SANTA TALK property that’s in the public wild’s for the Holidays. To clarify, only the URL is sent via SMS. The interactive chat and story is mobile web only (so that it includes graphics and video)…